This bill addresses the inadequacy of current black lung benefits for coal miners, noting that tens of thousands of miners are disabled or have died from the disease and rely on these benefits for healthcare and monthly compensation. Congress finds that the benefit rate established in 1969 has not kept pace with the cost of living, resulting in miners receiving nearly 40 percent less in real value today compared to the original amount adjusted for inflation. The legislation aims to rectify this by ensuring benefits are sufficient to meet current economic realities. To achieve this, the bill amends Section 412(a) of the Black Lung Benefits Act by establishing a new, higher monthly benefit rate for calendar year 2026. Specifically, for 2026, the monthly rate will be $1,252.50 ($15,030 annually). For 2027 and subsequent years, the annual rate will be adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers , ensuring that benefits are indexed to inflation and maintain their purchasing power over time. This amendment seeks to provide more adequate and sustainable financial support for miners and their families.